First machine Lathe or Mill?

[matthewsx]

I wanted a Rockwell 2/3 size mill and found one almost mint for a ridiculously high price but it's the one I wanted - had to look at it first ya know? The food was freaking awesome there. As much as I could gobble in 24 hrs anyway. Great guy selling it he drove me to Hope Depot got some plywood made a crate for it, hired a pick up truck guy for 150 to get it to a freight yard - paid another 150 to truck it to New Orleans. I had some airline miles so it wasn't too bad. Well it was real bad but I've chosen to look at it as a positive ;-)

Yeah, finding the little knee mills can be tough. I got lucky and found mine right here in town, not mint by a long shot but serviceable.

You’re from NOLA and found the food in Buffalo awesome? Interesting. I’ll have to check it out sometime, love the food in your town.

John

 

[JPMacG]

Lathe. There is something magical about the work that can be done on a lathe. It will motivate you to go further in the hobby. A mill is less intriguing.

 

[David2011]

Regardless of the final choice, use a speeds and feeds calculator. For years I plodded along using whatever speed the machines were already on and the surface finishes showed it. The difference when I got more willing to change speeds was substantial. Metal just simply cuts better if it meets the tool at the right speed.

 

[Mitch Alsup]

Lathe first.

A Lathe makes things round (Captain Obvious) but it can also make things flat (faces)

A Mill makes things flat and with accessories can make things round (on the outside.)

So the lathe is SLIGHTLY more useful.

Me, I enjoy Milling more than lathing.......probably because it is more mechanical (human) powered.